Is Underfloor Heating a serious rival to the radiator system?

When deciding on installing a heating system, the most common option would traditionally have been adding radiators connected to a boiler.

However, in recent years, underfloor heating (UFH) has become much easier to install and is considered to be a very versatile option.

So which one is best and most suitable for you? We take a look below.

Underfloor Heating
One of the huge benefits of installing UFH is that you do not have to make any calculations or estimates regarding the heating system. The supplier of the UFH system will provide you with all the details you need to install it successfully. They will provide detailed layout drawings, which indicate where all the pipework and manifolds need to be positioned and they will also inform you what size boiler you need to ensure that your property is heated to your satisfaction.

Other benefits include:

– Less supply pipes needed than a radiator system, which makes installation easier.
– UFH uses lower flow temperatures, so your boiler is not working so hard.
– UFH is less intrusive than radiators and you are not restricted to where you can put your furniture, as you are with radiators.

The main negative with UFH, is that most people will want to retrofit this system in a house that has likely had another heating system previously installed. While it’s a relatively simple installation in a new-build home, those wishing to convert their existing property will face considerable disruption and higher upfront installation costs.

Radiators
Most homes in the UK are heated by traditional hot water boiler and radiator systems. This means that there is a huge amount of experience, knowledge and design associated with this system, ultimately giving the homeowner great service, in terms of expertise and choice.

It is very easy to replace different components within the traditional boiler-radiator system. For example, if you need to replace a radiator, then you can isolate it, remove it and simply put in a new one, without having to rip up your floor and without paying the associated costs.

Another huge benefit is that every plumber or heating engineer knows exactly how a radiator central heating system works. They know how a radiator is fitted, how long it takes to install one, how much radiators cost and how big they need to big to heat the room they are installed in.

It’s very possible to have radiators and UFH working in tandem and heating your home very effectively. However, you would need to seek expert advice before proceeding and to check whether it’s the best solution, both technically and financially, for your home.

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